Recap: East Carolina vs. TX-San Antonio

Greenville, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Akeem Richmond erupted for 31 points, leading four players in double figures, as the East Carolina Pirates dismissed the Roadrunners of Texas-San Antonio, 81-71, in Conference USA play at Minges Coliseum.

Richmond, who converted 4-of-10 behind the 3-point line, was a perfect 15- of-15 at the free-throw line for the Pirates (13-11, 2-7 C-USA) as they won for the second time in the last three outings. Caleb White accounted for 18 points, Michael Zangari 11 and nine rebounds, followed by Prince Williams with 10 points and five assists in the triumph.

The Roadrunners (7-15, 3-6) were paced by Keon Lewis with 16 points before fouling out, followed by Jordan Sims who dropped in 14 points but shot just 3- of-11 behind the 3-point line. Hyjii Thomas chipped in 11 points off the bench and Phillip Jones 10 as the team fell for the third time in as many outings.

UTSA led by as many as three early in the first half, but the team managed to make good on only nine field goals through the first 20 minutes of action, including 1-of-7 behind the 3-point line. The Roadrunners made it even harder on themselves by converting 6-of-11 at the free-throw line in the period, en route to a 33-25 deficit at the break.

In the second half ECU extended to a 20-point lead midway through the period, thanks to 61.1 percent accuracy from the floor, but it was a 21-of-24 performance at the charity stripe that kept the Pirates out in front.

East Carolina turned the ball over 18 times, resulting in 21 points for the visitors, but at the same time the Pirates outscored UTSA at the line, 29-15.